resume/CV question: where to list credentials?

[mrbigstuff]

I'm on the fence about some revisions to my resume. I initially had my education and credentials at the top, moved them to the last part but now I need the credentials front and center. In this case, they are more important than education, with experience being the most important (should go without saying, eh?).

I'm conflicted on making something like credentials (in my case certifications) the topmost thing but I really have to emphasize them. What do you do?

[Grateful11]

Here's the example I went by last year when rewriting mine. Mine ended up being 2 pages.

*********************************
Sarah M. Johnson
123 Galaxy Road
Cosmos, Universe 20001


OBJECTIVE
To save the world from self destruction.

EDUCATION
• B.A. Philosophy, NC State University, Sotheby, NC 1982-1986
• Masters Sociology, NC State University, Sotheby, NC 1986-1988
• Graduated Summa Cum Laude

EXPERIENCE
Save the Air Day Advocate (January 1984-August 1990)
Sotheby Air Commission, Sotheby, NC
• Increased the percentage of people carpooling by 350%
(more copy to go here)
• Decreased the number of road kills on the road
(more copy to go here)
• Expanded the lungs of human beings with fresher air

Regional Manager (September 1990-July 1995)
Clean Fuel Company, Perwinkle, TX
• Managed 250 sales representatives in 10 Western states
• Increased regional sales from $43 to $325 million
(more copy to go here)
• Implemented training courses for new recruits
(more copy to go here)

National Representative (August 1995-current)
Waste NOT!, Butterwick, MA
• Increased the percentage of recycling in homes by 425%
(more copy to go here)
• Decreased the use of non-recyclable materials in households
(more copy to go here)
• Managed 1,200 sales representatives nationwide

INTERESTS
Community leader, Beach Cleanup Organizer,
Earth Day Coordinator.

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1...msg-526351

[Doc]

Special credentials right at the top. Education at the bottom unless it's especially relevant.

[dmann]

Yeah, have to echo Doc. Credentials and experience at the top. Education at the bottom, recent grad or not.

I have a "Qualifications Highlights" section at the very top of my resume and my lone credential is listed there (along with 3 other key bullet points)

DM

[testcase]

Dear Grateful 11, we regret to inform you that you are waaaay over qualified for our position...

[anonymouse1]

Folks, I do this professionally, and my recommendations are:

1. Leave off the objective--all it can do is eliminate you from a job where the reader thinks your objective doesn't fit the job.

2. Unless you're still in school, list your work first, in reverse chronological order, then list your education. Anything else looks like you're trying to hide something (other than in a very few fields, maybe some of the creative fields.

3. If you have a truly hot special qualification, bring it up in the context of how it enabled you to do something really wonderful for the employer. ("Won crucial Quidditch match, using skills acquired in Ph.D. level studies at Hogwarts")

4. Aside from having the education first, Grateful11 has it right---talk about the RESULTS you created for your employer.

5. You're telling a story--show how you advanced and became the perfect candidate for the position you're applying for--consider it to be narrative arc.

[mrbigstuff]

thank you, anonymouse. your response was very informative.

one question on #4: how do you elucidate this point? - in the body of the resume under the job descriptions or as a bullet point (and in the cover letter?)

I have always pulled out key resume accomplishments and put them in the cover letter as bullet points.

[anonymouse1]

mrbigstuff--

That's right, you do both--under the job description and as bullet points in the cover letter (but that's the advanced class ;-)

[threeprong]

I design resumés for many many folks and have seen the trend shift towards experience first.

I would also suggest creating an alternate document.... if you think you need to stand out from the crowd.

I've designed several second pages that I would call "What my resume doesn't tell you"...
These are generally designed letters, or more in depth experience written in a more casual tone.

It;s a roll of the dice as to whether they will work in any given situation, but I know of several folks who are swearing by them in this tough, crowded unemployment market.

They also speak to the mindset of the person who has just gone through 500 resumés. .. "something to read" versus something to skim.

2ç

3P

[mrbigstuff]

threeprong wrote:
These are generally designed letters, or more in depth experience written in a more casual tone.
3P

I would be up for that, given the job will have probably 100 or more resumes sent in from people like myself. I'm glad you mention this as it is something I always think about (how to stand out from a crowd).

How do you deal with a cover letter if the second page is an informal letter? is it:
cover letter (with bullets)
resume
informal letter
?

I don't want to overburden with paper.